Kartik Nach @ Patan Darbar Square.

The Kartik Nach, as an event, was first established by the devout King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in the 17th century, during the Malla Era which begins after establishing the Natyeswar from hills in Baghdwar, Shivapuri in Saugal of Lalitpur.

The Kartik Naach that among others attributes the characteristic of tantrik power has acquired the name since it falls in the month of Kartik (October-November). It is based on Narsimha’s exploits as described on Vishnu Puran, a most appropriate holy sourcebook, as it focuses on describing the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Kartik Nach is one of the important tantric masked dances done in honour of Lord Kumar in the month of Kartik (October-November).The dance is performed as a thanks giving to Lord Kumar for his protection to the community. Various incidents of the life of Kartikeya (Kumar) are enacted in the Kartik dance. Kumar also known as Bhairava who is the patron deity of Newar of Patan and elsewhere. The gentler aspect of Kartikeya is Kumar while Bhairava is fear-inspiring and warlike.

Kartik Naach, one of the pearl immersed out from ocean of Nepali culture is the annual ritual dance drama on Kartik Dabali ( stage of Patan Durbar Square). During the first seven days, various dances used to be performed and on the eighth day, a man dressed up as Narsingh, Lord Vishnu disguising himself as a giant demon, used to kill another man dressed up as Hiranyakashyap, an evil demon as illustrated in Hindu legends. The final two days of the dance festival is important and are performed on Kartik Sukla Dwadashi and Thrayodashi – the twelfth and the thirteenth day of bright half of Kartik, according to the lunar calendar.

                     " The main focus of the play is evident: good eventually triumphs over evil."

FOURTH DAY:

Yudda Kala (War Technique) Seetjor, Bishamjor, krishna & Mahadev

FIFTH DAY:

Devi Nach (Dyola, Khyak, Kankal, Bhairav, Kumari & Mahalaxmi)

SEVENTH DAY:

Baraha Avatar - Hiranakchhey Badha 

(बराह अवतार - हिरण्याक्ष बध)

EIGHTH DAY (LAST DAY)

 Narsingh Avatar - Hiranyakashayap Bada

(नरसिंह अवतार - हिरण्यकश्यप बध)